My own view is that Gordon Brownâ€™s behaviour was disappointing, showing disrespect for the opinion of someone who asked him questions. Heâ€™s the Prime Minister and Iâ€™d expect far better of him in such a situation. And then to try and pass off blame onto an assistant or even the media just makes him look really stupid.

I would imagine this gaffe will influence the voting intentions of some people. For some, Brownâ€™s behaviour illustrates what to many people is wrong with politics and politicians. You know, fiddling expenses and now saying bad things about people behind their backs.

It adds to the senses of diminished trust in politics and dishonesty in politicians. Indeed, diminished care about politics and politicians.

So will the gaffe be the tipping point for Labour to lose the election â€“ voting on which takes place on May 6, just a weekâ€™s time â€“ as some journalists and pundits fancifully predict? Will it dominate the third and final live-TV leaders debate on BBC1 at 8.30pm UK tonight?

What to Expect

Perspectives at the intersection of business, communication and technology.

When the only certainty is change, communicator, blogger and podcaster Neville Hobson analyses and discusses trends, behaviours and practices in digital communication to help you understand what they mean for people and organizations.